Shot in the dark wins at Singapore Grand Prix

Formula One was anything but predictable Sunday, with the Singapore Grand Prix providing a contrast as stark as night and day.

FROM JOURNAL STAR NEWS SERIVCES

Formula One was anything but predictable Sunday, with the Singapore Grand Prix providing a contrast as stark as night and day.

Renault's Fernando Alonso won after starting 15th on the grid in F1's first night race. It was his 20th career victory and first since the Italian Grand Prix last year during his short stint with McLaren.

Nico Rosberg was second for his best Grand Prix finish, giving Williams its best result since the 2005 season. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren was third.

"After qualifying, our hopes were gone already," Alonso said. "It was nearly over, but it shows that Formula One is unpredictable on Sunday."

Hamilton extended his championship lead to seven points after title rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari led early from the pole, but his race was ruined when he pulled away from his pit stop prematurely. Massa tooke the fuel rig and hose with him up pit lane. He knocked over one of his mechanics, who needed medical treatment but was not seriously injured, and almost collided with another car.

Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle) joined Schumacher in the winner's circle with three races remaining in the NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs.